Dr Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, was the guest of honour at the school which has been developed on the site of the former Bonnington Primary School in Leith.

Bun-sgoil Taobh na Páirce has a roll of 211 – 58 of them in Primary One - and a further 79 children in the nursery. There are 30 Gaelic speaking staff and the curriculum will be taught entirely in Gaelic.

It has been funded by the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council.

This morning’s ceremony also saw the launch of the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan. Since 2008 the Council has been working with the public and Bòrd na Gàidhlig to agree the scope and contents of the plan which sets a five year action plan to support the development of Gaelic within the capital.

Head teacher, Anne MacPhail, said: “I’m very proud to be leading the school into a historic new era for Gaelic in the city. The local Leith community have been very welcoming since we moved in and I’m really looking forward to building on the successes of our first few weeks.”

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “Today’s official opening demonstrates the Council’s long-standing support for the development of the Gaelic language and investing in young people and our communities.”

Councillor Deidre Brock, Gaelic spokesperson for the Capital Coalition, said: “Having a dedicated school for Gaelic in the capital is a significant milestone for the Gaelic community and the city. The language is already an important part of daily life for many in Edinburgh, and our Gaelic Language Plan will build on this foundation.

“It is right that Scotland’s capital city helps to promote and develop Gaelic through our schools and institutions, so this unique language and culture can be carried on through the voices of generations to come.”

“This school, and others like it, will help ensure that Gaelic continues to be a vibrant part of our culture, immersing pupils and staff in the language and allowing them to carry it with them throughout their lives.

"Our efforts to encourage a new generation of Gaelic speakers and teachers is already showing encouraging results - as we’ve seen by the 12 per cent rise in pupils entering P1 this year – and the launch of City of Edinburgh Council’s Gaelic Language Plan will mean that its work to promote the language will reach even more people."

The school is open to anyone who wants their child to have a Gaelic medium education.

Bun-sgoil Taobh na Páirce replaces the Gaelic Medium Education (GME) Unit which was based within Tollcross Primary School and established in 1989. The unit had steadily seen its roll rise over the years as demand for GME has grown.

The name for the new school (Parkside in English) was chosen by staff, pupils and parents to reflect its new location, next to Pilrig Park."